Meet the Team

Our Minister & Team

Minister

Reverend Carla Maurer grew up in St.Gallen. She studied history and philosophy in Berne in 1999. During her first years as a student, Carla became particularly interested with the relations of society, church and politics in Europe and she developed a passion for Christian theology – intellectually, as well as spiritually. In 2007, Carla graduated in Reformed Theology.

She then moved to Strasbourg in France to work for the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches and became engaged in ecumenical cooperation which became an important part of her theology. Carla was a board member of the European Forum of European Christian Women (EFECW) from 2010-2014 where she coordinated the first Pop Up Monastery (www.popupmonastery.com).

Before becoming the Minister of the Swiss Church in London in 2013, Carla worked for the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church as executive officer on a property and mission project.

Theologians such as Teresa of Avila, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Peter Rollins, and Ruth Epting who was the first woman to be ordained in Basel and founder of the EFECW are an inspiration to her.

Carla is married to Julian Simmons, a London based record producer.

In her spare time, Carla loves to read, to take advantage of London’s rich cultural life (especially museums and theatres) or to enjoy a cool pint of ale down at the local pub. You might see her on one of her runs or stretching her body in a yoga class. In a previous life, Carla was the singer in a band. She still enjoys going to rock concerts, but she leaves the majority of her own singing to church hymns now.

Email: carla.maurer@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

Mobile phone: 07968 530 380

Community and Family Worker, Administrator (maternity cover)

Lilian Jost (or Lili for short) grew up in Zurich. After her Matura (A-Levels) she looked for interesting internship opportunities during her gap year, and found the Swiss Church. In summer 2016 she moved to London for good to join the team in charge of family, community and outreach work. Previously she has worked in a care home and she has been a Cevi (YMCA) leader for many years. Her goal is to study theology. In Switzerland…? Or England…? Who knows!

In her spare time you can find Lili with her nose in a book or with her ukulele in her hands, singing some of her favourite songs. She also thoroughly enjoys buying extravagant dresses in charity shops and never wearing them.

Colin McIntyre has family connections with Switzerland dating back to the 1920s, when his father’s aunt married an immigrant from Geneva who worked as a chef in a Glasgow hotel. When his father came to work in London in the 1950s, he met up with other Swiss relatives and together they attended many Swiss events in London.

Colin has been attending services at the Swiss Church since the renovation was completed at the end of 2009. He says: “The restored Swiss Church building is a gem, an oasis of quiet, restrained contemplation. The gospel text ‘Je ne mettrai pas dehors celui qui vient à moi’ expresses what the Church stands for. But above all, it is the members of the Swiss Church that draw me to Endell Street.”

Colin can look back on a 35 year career in banking. He decided that he wanted to do something different, and returned to part-time study of Spanish language and culture. He also keeps busy doing some family history research, and recently discovered that his great-great grandmother was born in Endell Street in 1856, the same year that the Swiss Church opened. The building in question is now the Hospital Club.

Email: finance@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

Phone: 020 7836 1418

Venue Manager

Nat Breitenstein grew up on the move. Born in NYC. Lived on 4 continents. Picked up a language or two on the way. Her studies for a BA (Hons) Philosophy brought her to University College London from where she then put her problem solving skills to good use working in film production around the globe but predominantly in London and Sydney.

She enjoyed the human element and logistical challenges of film production but life on the move became trickier after giving birth to two daughters.

She then began evening classes followed by a Foundation Degree from Central St Martins, a BA (Hons) Fine Art Sculpture from Chelsea School of Art and Design and an MA Sculpture from the Royal College of Art. Since then she has worked as a Sculptor, Curator, Gallery Director, Events and Catering Company Founder and as a Creative Consultant. She is now looking forward to a long, fruitful and enriching time as Venue Manager at the Swiss Church.

When not working Nat is engaged and challenged by two grown-up daughters discussing art, philosophy, gender, race and politics alongside giggling quite a lot. With her partner Ivor and his son Arthur she’s attempting to form a Modern Family Band playing the accordion (poorly!). Her soul is happiest when with her family and friends at her lakeside childhood home in Finland or when she gets time on her own in her studio and throwing on a wheel.

Email: venue@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

Phone: 07590 879 201

Director of Music & Organist

Peter Yardley-Jones is a first-class honours graduate in music from the University of Glasgow. From 2006-2008 he was University Organ Scholar and in 2008 he was appointed Assistant Organist at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Glasgow and Organist at Houston & Killellan Kirk. During his time in Glasgow, Peter studied organ with Kevin Bowyer and renowned Bach scholar, Prof. John Butt OBE. Widely respected as a performer, Peter was awarded the Muriel Thorne Hague Memorial Prize, by his University for achieving the greatest distinction in performance and in 2005 won first prize in the nationwide Geoffrey Spiers Organ Competition.

As a recitalist he has performed at many UK Cathedrals and Concert Halls and has performed on three solo USA tours, in 2010 (St Thomas, New York and Community of Christ, Missouri) and 2015 (Chicago, Rockford, Omaha, Lincoln and Kansas City). In addition Peter has been organist for several BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 broadcasts and for BBC Television’s Songs of Praise.

Anina Smith grew up in Berne and visited London for the first time in 2004 during a gap year. In these three months she worked with her local church in Woolwich and the youth organisation XLP. Back in Switzerland she studied at the Swiss School of Tourism in Sierre/Siders before moving to London for good in September 2007. She first helped opening and running the first tibits restaurant outside of Switzerland and then joined LOCOG to deliver a successful 2012 Summer Games.

The position as Office Manager at the Swiss Church combines all her previous experiences and training as well as offering an opportunity to be linked with her home country and work in a Christian environment.

Anina is married to police constable Ricky Smith. Their son Max Noah was born on 30 November 2016.

Swiss Church London Consistoire

The Consistoire (equivalent of a Parish Council) is the Governing Body of the Swiss Church in London and administers and manages the Swiss Church in London, its property and its internal and external affairs in accordance with the constitution.

Members of the Consistoire

President (vacant)

Company Secretary (vacant)

Mr David Hume

Vice-President, acting Chair
Member since 2015

David discovered the Swiss Church searching for a suitable hall for his community dance school which takes place every Tuesday evening. David says: “My contact with the Swiss Church has warmed my Christian faith and it seemed like fate when I was asked to become a member of the Consistoire.” His Methodist upbringing in central Manchester showed him how Christian values could help those in the community achieve fulfilling lives and he sees that affinity with the Swiss Church today.

David was working for a period in Zurich, Geneva and Basel and his son lived there for a time.

David’s aim is to assist the Consistoire build a strong governance team and develop robust fundraising strategies to ensure the long-term future of the 250 year old Swiss Church so that “Church, Community, Culture” can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Mr Yvon Tse
Acting Treasurer and Company Secretary
Member since 2010

Accountant by profession since 1970 working both in practice and commerce. Have had connection with both Switzerland and the Swiss Church in London since 1972 and 1985 respectively. On standby since 2012 for the role of Acting Treasurer when the Honourable Treasurer’s post is vacant and while the Trustees undergo their search for an appropriate candidate. Company Secretary in 2015.

Mr Philip Maillardet
History and Archives, Marriage registrar
Member since 2009

Mrs Cécile Mistry
Catering Manager
Member since 2009

Mr Jon Driscoll
Trustee
Member since 2016

Jon is a filmmaker and designer of projections for theatre, having designed many notable west end plays and musicals over the past twenty years. His technical knowledge is a great asset to the Swiss Church to improve the quality of events and performances held in the hall, and he hopes to run more vintage cinema nights in the church hall.

Jon regularly attends the Swiss Church services with his wife Helen and their baby daughter Lucy. His great grandfather was a Swiss chocolatier and a member of the Société de Secours Mutuel des Suisses. Jon enjoys being part of the church community and spending time in the calm surroundings of the church and wants to help sustaining the Swiss Church for future generations and to insure that work can continue to help the homeless community.

Mr Alexander Tissot
Fundraising
Member since 2017

Originally from Geneva, Switzerland, Alexander’s professional background is in Management in International Finance. He is also extensively involved as a Director in Impact Philanthropy and Charities and on a Global Basis and am involved with various charitable projects worldwide.

Alexander is active in the Swiss Community in his capacity as an elected Delegate of the ‘Organisation of Swiss Abroad’ (OSA) representing the interests of the Swiss in the UK at the Federal and Parliamentary level in Switzerland. As a member of OSA, he also serves as Vice-President of the Federation of Swiss Societies in the UK / FOSSUK with responsibility over fund raising and events, in close co-operation with the Swiss Embassy in London. The FOSSUK launched the annual ‘Swiss President’s Dinner’ attended by the leadership of Swiss Clubs, Associations and the Swiss Embassy in London. The focus is to come together as one community with shared interests and concerns.

Alexander’s decision to join the Swiss Church was a natural move from his work in the Swiss Community. He is delighted to have been considered to assume responsibility over ‘Fund Raising’ hopes to make an important contribution.

Mr Peter Staeuber
Outreach and Community Work
Member since 2017

Peter grew up in St.Gallen, Switzerland, and moved to London in 2010. He works as a freelance correspondent and writes about anything that might be of interest to German-speaking readers – which at the moment is Brexit.

Peter first heard about the Swiss Church through Carla, who went to the same school – he’d never known such a beautiful building exists right in the centre of the city. Peter then learned more about the outreach work carried out by the church, especially to tackle homelessness, and was very impressed. As a journalist, he has seen how this issue has become ever more critical in recent years. He became more involved with this work when the church launched its ‘HomeLos’ project last year, which tries to establish a dialogue around homelessness between London and Zurich.

After being elected to the Consistoire in February 2017, Peter took on the job of coordinating the Swiss Church’s outreach and community work. In this capacity, he hopes to be making a contribution to the role of the church as an institution for the local community as well as for the Swiss migrant population.

Mr Hermann Aebischer

Ex officio observer from the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom
Since 2014

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The students from the confirmation class at the Friedenskirche in Bern, Switzerland, are coming to London and will cook a meal at the Swiss Church for the local and Swiss community to which everyone is invited. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and greet our guests from Switzerland!

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. Join us for this joyful celebration! There will be a communal lunch afterwards.

April 22Apr 225.00pm

Organ recital Thomas Ospital

Born in 1990, Thomas Ospital began his musical studies at the Conservatoire Maurice Ravel in Bayonne, France. There he studied organ with Esteban Landart, completing his studies in 2008 with unanimous recognition of his high level of achievement.

From 2008 until 2015, he was a student at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. The conservatoire awarded him first-place prizes in organ, improvisation, harmony, counterpoint and fugue studies.

He won 1st prize at the 2009 International Competition of Organ in Zaragoza (Spain), the Duruflé and Prix publics at the 2012 International Chartres Competition and 2nd prize at the International Xavier Darasse Competition in Toulouse.

In May 2014 the International Organ Competition of Angers (held by France’s Académie des Beaux-Arts) awarded him the Jean-Louis Florentz Grand Prix and the Prix public. In November that year, the International Chartres competition bestowed on him the second, public and Florentz prizes.

In 2015 the Église Saint-Eustache located in the centre of Paris and home to France's largest pipe organ appointed him one of its two organists. In 2016, the Maison de la Radio in Paris proposed him to become the first organist-in-residence of the new organ built by Grenzing.

He performs frequently in various countries as a soloist and with choruses and orchestras. With a keen interest in perpetuating the art of improvisation in all its forms, including both liturgical and secular, he displays his talents in accompanying silent films.

April 24Apr 241.00pm

The Royal Opera House Lunchtime Recital

Monday, 27 March1pm (doors open at 12:30pm)

The Royal Opera House Lunchtime Recital

The Royal Opera House Jette Parker Young Artists Programme free lunchtime recital features Mezzo soprano Emily Edmonds, accompanied by James Hendry.

Bridge: Three Songs for mezzo-soprano, viola and piano1. Far, far from each other2. Where is it that our soul doth go3. Music, when soft voices dieGrieg: Piano Concerto (arr. Jake Willson)

May 4May 48.00pm

Langholm Stories, by Jamie Telford

Langholm Stories

A film about people and place.

Jamie Telford will show his new documentary film ‘Langholm Stories’ to raise funds in favour of the Swiss Church outreach and homeless work.

Langholm is a small town set in the heart of the former debatable lands on the Scottish Borders. Jamie attempted to capture in interview and observation the people of Langholm in a 58 minutes long documentary set around the main event of the year:

The Swiss Church in London holds two morning services per month on every first and third Sunday.

Sermons are generally preached in English while prayers, hymns and other parts of the liturgy may be in French and German. The service on the first Sunday of the month normally includes communion. Both services begin at 11am and are followed by a lunch.

On the 7th of May there will be a drinks reception for (Swiss) newcomers to London and the UK. It would be a pleasure to meet and greet some new faces!

May 7May 73.00pm

Bach Cantata at the Dutch Church

As part of the year-long programme "Still Reforming - the Reformation on London's doorsteps" the Dutch Church invites to the event:

A Cantata by J.S.Bach on period instruments

There will be drinks afterwards.

For more information download the Still Reforming booklet: http://swisschurchlondon.org.uk/reformation-500/

The Swiss Church in London holds two morning services per month, on the first and on the third Sunday.

Sermons are all preached in English while prayers, hymns and other parts of the liturgy may be in French and German. The service on the first Sunday of the month normally includes communion. Both services begin at 11am and are followed by a lunch.

We welcome people from all church traditions, from other religions as well as people with little or no faith.

Every Tuesday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

June 3Jun 35.00pm

Organ recital Andrew Forbes

Andrew Forbes is a young British organist, harpsichordist and conductor. Andrew performs throughout Europe as a soloist and accompanist, for services, recitals and concerts.

Andrew is the Director of Music at Glasgow Cathedral, and winner of the 2014 Northern Ireland International Organ Competition.

June 4Jun 411.00am

Whit Sunday service with choir

Celebrate Whit Sunday with us when we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit. There will be a choir accompanying the service.

The Swiss Church in London holds two morning services per month, on the first and the third Sunday.

Sermons are all preached in English while prayers, hymns and other parts of the liturgy may be in French and German. The service on the first Sunday of the month normally includes communion. Both services begin at 11am and are followed by a lunch.

June 5Jun 51.00pm

The Royal Opera House Lunchtime Recital

The regular free lunchtime recitals, now at the Swiss Church in Endell Street, feature the rising stars of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme.

The recital on Monday, 5 June is given by the Estonian singer Monika-Evelin Liiv, who was on the Programme in 2007/9 and is now singing leading roles both in her native Estonia and in Finland, where she lives with her Russian husband. With Estonian pianist Marje Lohuaru, she will perform a programme combining all her three main languages: Estonian, Finnish and Russian.

Tickets are free but should be booked due to high attendance. The Swiss Church is giving away 5 tickets for each recital. To book tickets directly at the Royal Opera House, go to http://www.roh.org.uk/events/69j8t.

June 6Jun 68.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

Every Tuesday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

June 10Jun 106.00pm

The French Protestants from Dark Times... To Soho!

"Still Reforming" is a year-long invitation by churches in London to learn more about the Reformation, of which we are celebrating the 500th anniversary.

In June, the French Protestant Church in Soho Square is opening its doors.

June 13Jun 138.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

Every Tuesday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

June 18Jun 1811.00am

Service, followed by AGM

The Swiss Church in London currently holds two morning services per month on the first and third Sunday.

Sermons are all preached in English while prayers, hymns and other parts of the liturgy may be in French and German. The service on the first Sunday of the month normally includes communion. Both services begin at 11am and are followed by a lunch.

The service on 18 June will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (church members only) and by a small drinks reception.

June 18Jun 1812.15pm

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will take place after the Whit Sunday service at 12:30pm.

Members will be sent a separate invitation.

June 19Jun 191.00pm

The Royal Opera House Director's Workshop

Jette Parker Young Artists Programme director Gerard Jones is going to hold a director's workshop at the Swiss Church.

Tickets are free but should be booked due to high attendance. The Swiss Church is giving away 5 tickets for each recital. To book tickets directly at the Royal Opera House, go to http://www.roh.org.uk/events/gksh5.

June 20Jun 208.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

June 23Jun 2312.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Tuesday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

June 26Jun 267.00pm

"I don't believe in God, but..." Evening Class

This is an evening for everyone who is interested in learning about faith and the Bible, who has doubts and is questioning what the know.

Carla Maurer will lead through the evening session, which will be followed by a simple shared meal.

What: Evening classes for people with andwithout doubtsWhen: Mondays 15 May, 26 June, 17 July, 25September, 23 October from 7-9pmWhere: The Swiss Church in London,79 Endell Street, London WC2H 9DY,Gallery roomCost: £8 per evening; or £32 for all evenings (includes a simple shared meal)

June 27Jun 278.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

June 30Jun 3012.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Tuesday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

July 1Jul 15.00pm

Organ Recital Daniel Glaus (Bern Minster)

Daniel Glaus is an internationally acclaimed church musician and has composed numerous works.

Since 2007 he is the Director of Music and organist at the Minster in Berne. He teaches at the University of Arts in Zurich and in Berne.

Daniel is currently in London with a Landis&Gyr scholarship and will play some of his own compositions at the Swiss Church.

Admission free - retiring collection

July 2Jul 211.00am

Communion service, followed by lunch

Everyone is welcome to receive communion at the Swiss Church, no matter what church background or faith tradition you come from. Join us at 11am for the service, followed by community lunch at 12:15pm.

July 2Jul 24.00pm

Listen to the Clouds

"Still Reforming" is a year-long invitation by churches in London to learn more about the Reformation, of which we are celebrating the 500th anniversary.

In July, St Katharine's Danish Church just off Regent's Park is opening its doors.

July 4Jul 48.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

July 4Jul 411.30am

Frauenverein

The Frauenverein ("women's group") meets every 1st Tuesday of the month at the Swiss Church.

For more information, get in touch with Maria Kitsis: 020 8202 0425.

July 7Jul 712.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Friday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

July 11Jul 118.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

July 11Jul 1112.00pm

La Causerie

La Causerie meets at the Swiss Church for sandwiches, tea and coffee.

July 14Jul 1412.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Friday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

July 16Jul 1611.00am

Service, followed by lunch

Join us for Sunday service with sermon and music, followed by lunch. Community Worker Lilian Jost will lead the service. It will also be Lili's final service before she will leave London to move to Heidelberg where she will study theology.

July 17Jul 177.00pm

"I don't believe in God, but..." Evening Class

This is an evening for everyone who is interested in learning about faith and the Bible, who has doubts and is questioning what the know.

Carla Maurer will lead through the evening session, which will be followed by a simple shared meal.

What: Evening classes for people with andwithout doubtsWhen: Mondays 15 May, 26 June, 17 July, 25September, 23 October from 7-9pmWhere: The Swiss Church in London,79 Endell Street, London WC2H 9DY,Gallery roomCost: £8 per evening; or £32 for all evenings (includes a simple shared meal)

July 18Jul 188.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

July 21Jul 2112.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Friday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

July 25Jul 258.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

July 28Jul 2812.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Friday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

August 1Aug 18.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

August 1Aug 14.00pm

Swiss National Day

Join us to celebrate Swiss National Day on the 1st of August at 79 Endell Street with the Swiss community and friends!

More details will be revealed soon. There will be Swiss food and drinks, family activities and singing of the National Anthem. Watch this space for more surprises!

6.30pm: Speech by His Excellency Dominik Furgler, Swiss Ambassador to the UK

6.45pm: Singing of the National Anthem with Organist Peter Yardley-Jones

7pm: Live broadcast of the speech of President of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Doris Leuthard

Please note: We are expecting a high number of people and cannot guarantee immediate access, even for those who have signed up on Eventbrite. We advice to come early. First come, first serve! Alcoholic drinks will only be sold from 6pm.

Would you like to volunteer? Get in touch with Carla: carla.maurer@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

August 4Aug 412.00pm

Holy Soup!

Every Friday at 12 o'clock the doors of the Swiss Church open wide and we give out free home-made vegetarian soup to passers-by and regular guests.The soup is cooked at the Swiss Church by a volunteer and always vegetarian.Come along some Friday!

August 8Aug 88.00am

Breakfast on the Steps

Every Tuesday, 8-10am, everyone is welcome to enjoy a free breakfast at the Swiss Church. We offer bread, jam and peanut butter, fruits, eggs and yogurt - and of course, tea and coffee. Every once in a while we cook a spontaneous full English breakfast, so keep your eyes peeled for that :)!

August 20Aug 2010.00am

Service at Fraumünster Zürich, Sermon by Rev Carla Maurer

On Sunday, 20 August, 10am, Swiss Church minister Rev Carla Maurer will hold a service in one of Zürich's best-known churches. The service will be followed by VEGSIL assembly.

September 3Sep 311.00am

Communion service, followed by lunch

Everyone is welcome to receive communion at the Swiss Church, no matter what church background or faith tradition you come from. Join us at 11am for the service, followed by community lunch at 12:15pm.

September 5Sep 511.30am

Frauenverein

The Frauenverein ("women's group") meets every 1st Tuesday of the month at the Swiss Church.

For more information, get in touch with Maria Kitsis: 020 8202 0425.

September 9Sep 95.00pm

Organ recital Lukas Hasler

Lukas Hasler, born in 1996, studies organ at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria. Additionally, he studies cultural management at the University of Hamburg. The 20-year-old organist, harpsichordist, composer and choir conductor has attended master classes with Ton Koopman, Ludger Lohmann and Skip Sempé.

Lukas has won the “Prima la musica” competition for organ twice. The second time, he also won the “Bärenreiter”-Prize for his interpretation of a work by J. S. Bach. In 2015, “Jugend komponiert”, a competition for young composers, named Lukas as a finalist for his piano and violin suites. Lukas Hasler is gaining recognition for his colourful and passionate musicality.

Recital free - retiring collection

September 14Sep 146.00pm

An experience of Anglican liturgy

As part of the ecumenical reformation programme 'Still Reforming - Reformation on London's Doorsteps' the Anglican Church in Dean Street, Soho, invites to celebrate Evensong together. This will be followed by lecture to explore how the reformation has shaped Anglican liturgy. Fellowship over a cheese and wine reception will then conclude the evening.

September 16Sep 1611.00am

Service for Penance Day (Eidg. Buss- und Bettag), followed by lunch

The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer is celebrated in Switzerland every year on the third Sunday of September. It is an interfaith feast observed by the Roman-Catholic Church, Reformed church bodies as well as other Christian denominations and Jewish communities. It is a day to mark and celebrate the overcoming of political and denominational wars and conflicts and to celebrate peace between religions and churches.

Lunch will be served after the service at 12:15.

September 25Sep 257.00pm

"I (don't) believe in God, but..." - Evening class

In this evening class we will look at the significance of the Cross in Christianity. We will read the texts of the crucifixion of Jesus in the New Testament and discuss the significance of the God's death for the people back then and for us today.

The evening will start with a short silent meditation and a simple shared meal.

With Rev Carla Maurer, Symeon Kyriakopoulos and Renate Rothwell

October 1Oct 111.00am

Reformation service with Rev Catherine McMillan, followed by lunch

The Reverend from the Reformed parish church in Dübendorf and Reformation Ambassador of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, Catherine McMillan, will preach at the Swiss Church to mark 500 years since the beginning of the reformation movement. Catherine McMillan is also a well known face from the 'Wort zum Sonntag' on Swiss Television.

Lunch will be served after the service.

October 1Oct 14.00pm

Scotland and its reformation

As part of the reformation programme "Still Reforming - Reformation on London's Doorsteps", the Church of Scotland invites to the afternoon “Scotland and its Reformation: of flying chairs, monstrous women, and kists o’ whistles”.

There will be pictures and music about the Scottish Reformation, an evening service, and a cup of tea with Scottish shortbread afterwards.

October 3Oct 311.30am

Frauenverein

The Frauenverein ("women's group") meets every 1st Tuesday of the month at the Swiss Church.

For more information, get in touch with Maria Kitsis: 020 8202 0425.

October 6Oct 67.00pm

Annual Mosimann's Fundraising Dinner

Enjoy a meal by one of the greatest chefs... and support the Swiss Church!

Globally renowned food business Mosimann’s, founded by Swiss chef Anton Mosimann, will host a fundraising dinner at the Swiss Church London on 6 October 2017, 7pm.

You will be served a three-course meal and a welcome drink. There will be a cash bar.

Meet old and new friends in our wonderful grade II listed building, renovated by Swiss architects Christ&Gantenbein, and support the Swiss Church's charitbale work reaching out to the homeless in the Covent Garden area, visiting the elderly and organising family activities.

For more information or if you would like to purchase a concession ticket for £100 please contact the Swiss Church office 020 7836 1418 or email info@swisschurchlondon.org.uk

October 21Oct 215.00pm

Organ recital Ben Sheen

Benjamin Sheen is one of the UK's brightest young organists, having recently won the inaugural Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition. He has also recently been awarded Second Place and the Jon Laukvik Prize at the 2013 St. Alban's International Organ Competition in its 50th year. In addition to his competition successes, he has also completed his Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in New York, having studied with Grammy award winning organist Paul Jacobs. He currently resides in New York City, and combines a busy concert career with the position of Associate Organist at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue.

Ben began his musical education as a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he took up the organ aged 10. In 2003, Ben became the youngest person ever to give a recital in the cathedral’s Sunday evening series at the age of just 13. Ben was awarded a music scholarship to Eton College where he studied organ with Alastair Sampson and David Goode.

On 3 September the Sunday services will resume after the summer break. Join us for communion service, followed by lunch. The services take place every first and third Sunday of the month and everyone is most...